Bengaluru, 29 May

A day after resigning as the chief minister of Karnataka, Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Friday met party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital. Siddaramaiah was accompanied by his son MLC Yathindra.

Siddaramaiah handed his resignation to the Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s Lok Bhavan on Thursday in the latter’s absence. The Governor accepted the resignation on Friday. Siddaramaiah is believed to have discussed his future plans and the new government formation with the High Command leaders. Hethanked Rahul Gandhi for giving him an opportunity to serve the State, sources said.

Siddaramaiah later had lunch with his Deputy and likely successor DK Shivakumar, along with Yathindra and Minister KJ George. Siddaramaiah is reportedly looking to secure a Cabinet berth for his son. Shivakumar also held separate meetings with Kharge and AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal during the day.

He told media that a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party(CLP) in Karnataka will be held on Saturday. Major issues on the agenda include a Cabinet reshuffle, electing a CLP leader, the possibility of changing the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, and officially announcing the next Chief Minister.

Sources have said that DK Shivakumar will become the CM, honouring a power-sharing pact. PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi said that the swearing in ceremony was likely on Monday or Tuesday, but there was no official confirmation.

Another key issue expected to be discussed is the Deputy Chief Minister post. Reports suggest that there may be three-four DyCMs, with different groups vying for the post. Front runners include Jarkiholi and Home Minister G Parameshwara.

However, Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-chargeRandeep Surjewala, who was present during Siddaramaiah’s hour-long meeting with Gandhi said: “There is no hurdle in the smooth tradition of power.”

Tributes poured in for Siddaramaiah, the State’s longest serving CM. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said that a “new position” will be carved out for Siddaramaiah Karnataka after he rejected the Congress’ offer for a Rajya Sabha berth.